Agriculture Master Plan

Agriculture Master Plan

The Agriculture Master Plan is a made-in Strathcona County plan that fits the needs of our unique community. The plan addresses two questions: what is the future of agriculture in Strathcona County? And what strategies and policies are required to enable this future to be realized? It was awarded the 2016 Award for Planning Excellence by the Canadian Institute of Planners. Learn more.

Implementation Strategy

The Implementation Strategy outlines how Strathcona County intends to explore the recommendations in the Agriculture Master Plan. Implementation of the Agriculture Master Plan will involve evaluation of six key strategy areas.

On this page

Urban Agriculture

The Urban Agriculture Strategy was approved in 2016.

Our vision is thaturban agriculture is easily accessed and seen in Strathcona County; it contributes to creating a healthy, liveable community by helping to grow food, relationships, and economy in our community.

Land Use and Development

In progress

Land use outlines what kinds of activities can take place on different land types within the County. Land use and development is regulated by the municipality through a number of plans and policy documents, including the Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plans and the Land Use Bylaw. These documents will be reviewed and the suitability of different forms of agriculture in different areas will be evaluated.

The update to the Municipal Development Plan included the review and evaluation of many land use and development potential actions.

Governance

In progress

Governance, in regards to the Agriculture Master Plan, means that Strathcona County as an organization has the resources, capability and competencies to address and support agriculture in our community. It encompasses our ability to work cooperatively with both urban and rural residents and stakeholders, and strive for service excellence by understanding the needs of residents and activities involved in agriculture.

Examples of topics that may be explored include:

creating innovation in our communications and public relations programs in agriculture

review of the County’s Strategic Plan to be sure that agriculture is visible in our goals

Food and Agriculture Sector Development

This strategy area is about attracting new diverse enterprises, and building a support network to encourage current agriculture and food endeavours within Strathcona County.

Examples of topics that may be explored include:

expansion of educational programming relating to agriculture

development of local food opportunities and the equine sector

formation of Agriculture and Food Leadership Institute to further the interests of agriculture

Agri-Tourism

Estimated start date: 2019

Agri-tourism refers to the opportunity to discover agriculture through experiential education.

Examples of topics that may be explored include:

connecting with current agri-tourism operators

open market opportunities

Agriculture Master Plan Review

Estimated start date: 2020

Changes in agriculture are continuous and considerable, requiring a dynamic and proactive approach in response to emerging trends and opportunities. It is important that agriculture, in both urban and rural environments, is examined and that market opportunities are studied frequently to ensure successful enterprises are being supported and encouraged.

Key indicators will be developed through all of the strategies. These indicators will be summarized and evaluated in order to gauge our success and opportunities for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agriculture will play an important role in helping Strathcona County reach its vision of becoming Canada’s most livable community. The Agriculture Master Plan is an important first step in raising the awareness and recognition of the importance of agriculture in our community.